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How to Get Rid of Split Ends—No Haircut Required

After getting a trim, you usually experience a beautiful (but all too brief) period of bouncy, split end–free hair. But like all good things, this period eventually comes to an end. No matter how well you condition your locks, split ends are inevitable thanks to damaging heat tools, brushing, colouring, and other elements.

To be clear, the only way to truly banish this dreaded hair affliction is to snip the split ends off. However, you can treat them so they’re less noticeable between cuts. The best part? You don’t need a fancy hair mask or serum to do it. We caught up with stylists Jesse Montana, Alessandra Saman, and Melissa Brown of Mêche Salon to nab their favourite split-end treatments. In fact, the hair masks below can be whipped up using ingredients from your pantry.

This isn’t the first time we’ve heard about the numerous benefits of coconut oil (and it certainly won’t be the last). To get the best results from your coconut oil hair treatment, follow Montana’s instructions below.

Start with thoroughly shampooed, towel-dried hair. Take a scoop of coconut oil (about a quarter of a handful), and work it into your hair—from the ends to mid-shaft. Then, clip your hair up, wrap it in a towel or plastic wrap, and wait 30 minutes.

Hop back in the shower, rinse, and then shampoo your hair twice. (Montana says this sounds counteractive, but home remedies can build up in your hair if you don’t thoroughly wash them out.) Repeat once every two weeks.

One last tip from Montana: “Natural oils are very heavy, so be sure to start small and add more as needed, staying off the hair’s roots.”

DIY Mask #2: Avocado Protein Mask

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You might have to skip the homemade guacamole for one night, but trust us—your hair will thank you. Saman’s concoction consists of one avocado, one egg, and a bit of olive oil to help replenish damaged hair. Best of all, it’s so easy to make.

First, crush up the avocado and mix it with the egg. Add olive oil until the consistency is “a little thicker than store-bought conditioner,” Saman says. Apply it to your hair, leave it on for 10 to 20 minutes, and then rinse well with warm water.

Mix a few fish oil capsules with coconut oil and lavender in a saucepan, and then heat the mixture on low for about five minutes. Pour it into a large bowl, dip your split ends in, and work the mixture up your hair (avoiding your roots). Wrap your hair up in a towel or plastic wrap and leave it in for 40 minutes. Lastly, follow up with a double shampooing to reduce buildup and prevent limp strands.

Mix three tablespoons of olive oil with two tablespoons of raw honey. Apply the mixture to shampooed hair and leave it in for 20 to 30 minutes. Rinse it out and then wash your hair with a moisturising shampoo to remove any residue.